A hub and a router are both electronic devices used in computer systems networking. A router is a more sophisticated device with both hardware and software that is used to connect multiple area networks (LANs and WANs), or two or more logical subnets.

See also Hub vs. Switch.

Comparison chart

Hub versus Router comparison chart
Edit this comparison chartHubRouter
Layer Physical layer. Hubs are classified as Layer 1 devices per the OSI model. Network Layer (Layer 3 devices)
Function To connect a network of personal computers together, they can be joined through a central hub. Directs data in a network. Passes data between home computers, and between computers and the modem.
Data Transmission form Electrical signal or bits Packet
Ports 4/12 ports 2/4/5/8
Transmission Type Hubs always perform frame flooding; may be unicast, multicast or broadcast At Initial Level Broadcast then Uni-cast & Multicast
Device Type Passive Device (Without Software) Networking device
Used in (LAN, MAN, WAN) LAN LAN, MAN, WAN
Table A network hub cannot learn or store MAC address. Store IP address in Routing table and maintain address at its own.
Transmission Mode Half duplex Full duplex
Broadcast Domain Hub has one Broadcast Domain. In Router, every port has its own Broadcast domain.
Definition An electronic device that connects many network device together so that devices can exchange data A router is a networking device that connects a local network to other local networks. At the Distribution Layer of the network, routers direct traffic and perform other functions critical to efficient network operation.
Speed 10Mbps 1-100 Mbps (Wireless); 100 Mbps - 1 Gbps (Wired)
Address used for data tramsmission Uses MAC address Uses IP address
Necessary for Internet Connection? No. No, but provides additional security and allows for multiple connections.
Device Category non intelligent device Intelligent Device
Manufacturers Sun Systems, Oracle and Cisco Cisco, Netgear, Linksys, Asus, TP-Link, D-Link

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"Hub vs Router." Diffen.com. Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 19 Oct 2025. < >